Transfer, relocate option emphasizes that OU-C provides a gateway to opportunity for students

Jun 3, 2013From staff reports

One of the unique aspects of the Ohio University-Chillicothe educational experience is the opportunity for students to become acclimated to college and build a strong academic base while deciding what academic path to follow.

While most students complete their studies on the Chillicothe Campus, which offers more than 20 academic programs, including associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as a small-campus setting and affordable tuition, some students will eventually transfer to other campuses to complete their academic programs.

Since the Chillicothe Campus is part of Ohio University, students can relocate rather seamlessly to the Athens campus and have access to the approximately 250 academic programs offered by the university. Others will find their academic footing at OU-C and then transfer to another university.

CHELCI BORLAND PURSUES PASSION ON ATHENS CAMPUS

Chelci Borland, a rising senior, is transferring to the Athens campus of Ohio University in 2013-14 to complete her bachelor’s degree program after spending the majority of her first three years at OU-C. Borland, a Huntington High School graduate, plans to major in communication science and disorders, both on the undergraduate and graduate levels at Ohio University and then pursue a career as a speech pathologist.

The transition has been gradual for Borland, who attended classes on both the Chillicothe and Athens campuses during spring semester 2013.

“I started as a psychology major and have switched to communication science disorders. I now need to move to the Athens campus to complete my major,” she said.

Borland has found a career path that allows her to turn her passion into her profession. “I took a couple of sign language classes as gen ed (general education) courses and became interested in communication disorders. I then took an introductory class in that area and fell in love with it. I found that is where my passion lies.”

Borland looks to work in pediatrics, which aligns with her desire for helping others, something she has been doing both locally and globally. She is involved with Chillicothe-area volunteer organizations including a food drive, toy drive and a program to help elderly residents. Borland also traveled to Bulgaria in the summer of 2010 as part of a volunteer outreach project.

“I am part of the Christmas Smiles organization,” Borland explained. “We help families during the holiday season by giving them food, clothing and even toys.” Borland looks to continue with community involvement programs in Athens.

VICTORIA PYZIK USES POST SECONDARY OPTION TO BUILD STRONG FOUNDATION

Through her participation in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP) at OU-C, Victoria Pyzik has her options open in regards to her future college plans. The Waverly High School student accumulated 51 credit hours, placing her technically as a second-semester college sophomore, by the time she earned her high school diploma this spring.

Pyzik, who is currently enrolled in summer classes at OU-C, plans to begin her post-high school college career on the Chillicothe Campus this fall, and then transfer, probably to either the University of Cincinnati or Miami (Ohio) University, in the spring of 2014.

“The transfer option has worked out great for me,” Pyzik said. “All of my classes will transfer, so every credit was productive. Plus, I was able to experience college life and understand what college classes are like, as well as the expectations and style of faculty members. This should make the future transfer that much easier for me.”

There were practical implications to beginning her college career on the Chillicothe Campus, especially in the PSEOP program, in which her tuition and other costs were provided.

“In addition to building a good academic base and a taste for college life, I have been able to save money and avoid debt from college costs,” she said.

Pyzik began her college experience slowly, taking two classes during the winter quarter of her junior year of high school, in 2011 and treading slowly at first. She has since gone full throttle, taking 14 credit hours in fall semester 2012 and 15 hours this past spring term.

“Looking back, I wish I would have taken more classes initially, but I did not want to get overwhelmed,” she said.

Pyzik plans to eventually enter a master’s degree program in speech language pathology, possibly at Ohio University.